Felisha Barnes, Comedian and Co-Producer of The Blackout, Shares Her Journey on The Day with Trae
Photos by Jordan Somers
In a recent interview on The Day with Trae, Felisha Barnes, a Seattle-based comedian and co-producer of The Blackout, shared her journey into comedy and her passion for creating spaces for Black comedians to thrive.
Barnes, a second-generation comedian, grew up surrounded by the Seattle comedy scene. Her father, Cliff Barnes, has been a comedian since before she was born, and she often accompanied him to open mics and shows. Inspired by her family's creative legacy, Barnes eventually decided to try her hand at comedy herself.
"To my surprise, I was actually funny," Barnes said of her early experiences with open mics.
Despite her natural talent, Barnes initially hesitated to pursue comedy seriously, fearing that she might not live up to her father's legacy. However, she soon realized that she had a unique voice and perspective to offer.
"I could actually do something with this and make a career out of it," she said. "So instead of it being a hobby, I turned it into part of my destiny and my life."
Barnes began producing her own shows, creating platforms for Black comedians in Seattle. This led her to The Blackout, a popular comedy show that she now co-produces.
"Being a Langston kid, growing up at Langston Hughes, being part of the summer musicals, and taking acting classes, it felt right to bring it back to the roots," Barnes said of her decision to partner with Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute for The Blackout.
Barnes is excited about the future of The Blackout and its potential to showcase Black comedic talent.
"I am looking forward to this rebrand, this rebirth, where it's just Black on Black on Black excellence," she said. "For it to grow and start again, to show the city and the world that we're here and we're not going anywhere."
Barnes encourages everyone to come out and experience The Blackout for themselves.
"Because Blackness is amazing, and comedy is life," she said. "If you have tragedy, come laugh. If you have problems, come laugh. If you just need to get out of the house, because I know the sun isn't out, come laugh about it."
You can catch The Blackout on Instagram @theblackoutseattle.
For more tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
